Apparatus and method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices is disclosed. The method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices generally includes simultaneously executing a test mobile device application on the plurality of mobile devices, determining test mobile device application results for the plurality of mobile devices at a plurality of test computers, sending a test mobile device application results from the plurality of mobile devices to the plurality of test computers, and deleting the test mobile device application on the plurality of mobile devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/179,299 filed on Nov.2, 2018 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/409,047 filed on Jan. 18, 2017 now U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,207 issued onJan. 29, 2019 which claims priority to Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/312,276 filed on Mar. 23, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing mobiledevices, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method forsimultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices, including tablets and phones, have become sophisticated,widespread and pervasive. With the increasing usage of computer networkservices all over the world, these mobile devices are in great demand.As a result, the cost of used mobile devices has increased. However, aswith any used device, the used mobile device needs to be tested todetermine operability. As the sizes of mobile devices decrease, and thenumber of working parts increases, testing of the used mobile device isnot only complicated, but also time consuming and expensive.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention, among others, is to provide an apparatus andmethod to simultaneously test a plurality of mobile devices. The methodfor simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices generallyincludes simultaneously executing a test mobile device application onthe plurality of mobile devices, determining test mobile deviceapplication results for the plurality of mobile devices at a pluralityof test computers, sending a test mobile device application results fromthe plurality of mobile devices to the plurality of test computers, anddeleting the test mobile device application on the plurality of mobiledevices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference tothe accompanying figures, of which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a mobile device testing apparatus according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drawer and retention device of themobile device testing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the retention device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view within a device cabinet of the mobiledevice testing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a test cabinet of the mobile device testingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a control cabinet of the mobile device testingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of connections between a control cabinetcomputer, a Wi-Fi router, and Ethernet switch assemblies of the mobiledevice testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of connections between the control cabinetcomputer, a control cabinet multiplexer, and a monitor of the mobiledevice testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of connections between a test computer, adevice cabinet, an audio video connector, and a composite converter ofthe mobile device testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of connections between a device cabinet, anHDMI switch, an HDMI converter, a composite converter, a test computer,and a control cabinet multiplexer of the mobile device testing apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of connections between a test computer, adevice cabinet, and a power supply of the mobile device testingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of connections between a test computer andan Ethernet switch assembly of the mobile device testing apparatus shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of connections between a test computer and atest computer of the mobile device testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a test computer of the mobile devicetesting apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the steps for executing a testing mobile deviceapplication of the mobile device testing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a table showing actual RGB values compared to a centerquestionable pixel in an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is table showing difference of RGB values compared to the centerquestionable pixel in the exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is table showing actual RGB values of a good pixel in theexemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 19 is table showing the difference of RGB values compared to centerof a good pixel in the exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, a mobile device testing apparatus 10 forsimultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices 20 is shown inFIG. 1. While reference throughout will be made to mobile devices 20, itshould be understood by one skilled in the art that the invention is notlimited to this aspect, and the invention can be used to test otherelectronic devices.

The mobile device testing apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is comprisedof a frame 12, a plurality of device cabinets 16 having a plurality ofdrawers 18 for receiving mobile devices 20, a plurality of test cabinets30, a control cabinet 40, a plurality of monitors 50, and a usercomputer 60. The major components of the invention will now be describedin greater detail.

The frame 12, as shown in FIG. 1, is a structure forming a plurality ofslots 14. The frame 12 has ten slots 14 in the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 1, and the invention is described with reference to thesimultaneous testing of ten mobile devices 20. One with ordinary skillin the art, however, would understand that the number of slots 14, andcorrespondingly the number of mobile devices 20 that can besimultaneously tested, may vary based on the application; the frame 12alternatively could have four or eight slots 14. The frame 12 may beconstructed out of any material that provides sufficient rigidity forthe mobile device testing apparatus 10, including metals, plastics, andother materials known to those with ordinary skill in the art.

The plurality of device cabinets 16 have a front side 16A and a backside 16B, and are each positioned in one of the plurality of slots 14 ofthe frame 12. The plurality of device cabinets 16 may be substantiallysquare members, or any shape necessary to fit the slots 14.

The front side 16A of the plurality of device cabinets 16 has aplurality of drawers 18 that are moveably or slidably mounted to theframe 12 in the direction 24 shown in FIG. 2; one drawer 18 correspondsto each device cabinet 16, and is approximately positioned on a lowerhalf of the device cabinet 16. Each drawer 18 is slidably mounted to theframe 12 via sliding members 19 shown in FIG. 2. The sliding members 19may be positioned on both sides of the drawer 18, and may be known slideor glide drawer structures used for drawers and moving shelves. One withordinary skill in the art would understand that the sliding members 19could be any structural elements permitting motion of the drawer 18 inrelation to the frame 12 and device cabinet 16. The drawer 18 has aclosed position in which the drawer 18 is flush with the device cabinet16, shown in FIG. 1, and an open position, shown in FIG. 2.

The back side 16B of the plurality of device cabinets 16 is shown inFIG. 11. The back side 16B includes a back side Ethernet port 16B-1, aback side USB port 16B-2, a back side audio port 16B-3, a back side HDMIport 16B-4, and a back side power connector 16B-5. The back side USBport 16B-2 may be a range of known USB connection versions, includingUSB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and other versions of USB connections knownto those with ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 2, a retention device 22 is positioned in each drawer18. The retention device 22 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3 and isa universal tray. The retention device 22 includes a retention deviceframe 222, an adjustable guide 224, a plurality of adjustable end walls226, retention device wall 228, an arm 229, and a retention deviceconnections port 240.

The retention device frame 222 is formed with retention device wall 228,a plurality of guide receiving recesses 222-1, and a plurality of endwall receiving recesses 222-2. The retention device wall 228 may be astationary member extending parallel to the direction of movement 24,and as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, may be positionedapproximately centrally within the retention device frame 222. Theembodiment shown in FIG. 3 is merely exemplary, and the position of theretention device wall 228 may vary to accommodate various applicationsand a wider range of mobile device 20 sizes.

The plurality of guide receiving recesses 222-1 extend into theretention device frame 222 and are positioned on one side of theretention device wall 228, extending perpendicularly to the retentiondevice wall 228. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plurality ofguide receiving recesses 222-1 are two rows of staggered circularrecesses. One with ordinary skill in the art would understand that theplurality of guide receiving recesses 222-1 could be any form thatextends a range of distances from the retention device wall 228 andpermits secure connection to an adjustable guide 224.

The plurality of end wall receiving recesses 222-2 extend into theretention device frame 222 and are positioned on one end of theretention device wall 228, extending perpendicularly to the retentiondevice wall 228. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the plurality ofguide receiving recesses 222-2 are one row of circular recesses. Onewith ordinary skill in the art would understand that the plurality ofend wall receiving recesses 222-2 could be any form that extends a rangeof distances along an end of the retention device wall 228 and permitssecure connection to an adjustable end wall 226

The adjustable guide 224 is an elongated member positioned to extendparallel to the retention device wall 228, as shown in FIG. 3. Theadjustable guide 224 is received and disposed within a subset of theplurality of guide receiving recesses 222-1. The position of theadjustable guide 224 in relation to the retention device wall 228 variesbased on which of the subset of the plurality of guide receivingrecesses 222-1 are used; the position of the adjustable guide 224 isthus movable in the direction 224-1 shown in FIG. 3.

The plurality of adjustable end walls 226 are substantially squaremembers positioned to extend perpendicular to the retention device wall228, as shown in FIG. 3. Each adjustable end wall 226 is received anddisposed within a subset of the plurality of end wall receiving recesses222-2. The position of each adjustable end wall 226 in relation to theretention device wall 228 varies based on which of the subset of theplurality of end wall receiving recesses 222-2 are used; the position ofeach adjustable end wall 226 is thus movable in the direction 226-1shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of adjustable end walls 226 could also beomitted in some applications.

The retention device 22, along with the retention device wall 228,adjustable guide 224, and plurality of adjustable end walls 226 may bemade of nylon, polyurethane, or other plastics. One with ordinary skillin the art would understand that other materials could be used that donot scratch or damage a mobile device when the mobile device contactsthe elements during insertion and removal.

The arm 229 has a secure end 229 a and a free end 229 b, and may be anelongated curved member as shown in FIG. 3. The secure end 229 a ispositioned at a side of the retention device frame 222 and permitsrotation of the arm 229. The free end 229 b may rotate substantiallyacross the length of the retention device frame 222 in the direction ofmovement 224, and may be positioned with the free end 229 b between theadjustable guide 224 and the retention device wall 228.

The retention device connections assembly 240 houses the electricalconnection ports for the retention device 22. The retention deviceconnections assembly 240 houses the back side USB port 16B-2, the backside audio port 16B-3, and the back side HDMI port 16B-4, as shown inFIG. 3. One with ordinary skill in the art would understand that thespecific connections shown in this embodiment are merely exemplary, andthat other known electrical connection ports could be positioned withinthe retention device connections assembly 240 depending on theapplication.

The interior of each cabinet 16 may also contain an image recordingdevice 260 and light bars 280 as shown in FIG. 4. The image recordingdevice 260 may be a pair of cameras as shown in the embodiment of FIG.4, but one with ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that theimage recording device 260 could be any device permitting the recordingof an image within the cabinet 16. The image recording device 260 ispositioned within the cabinet 16 such that it is approximately centeredover a space between the adjustable guide 224, the plurality ofadjustable end walls 226, the retention device wall 228, and the freeend of the arm 229 b. The light bars 280 may be an arrangement of anyilluminating light elements, including LED lights, incandescent lights,fluorescent lights, and other lights known to those with ordinary skillin the art. The light bars 280 are positioned within the device cabinet16 such that they can illuminate the retention device 22 and retentiondevice frame 222.

An exemplary test cabinet 30 of the plurality of test cabinets 30 isshown in detail in FIGS. 1 and 5. Each test cabinet 30 may have a door36, shown in FIG. 1, and includes a plurality of test computers 32 and aplurality of control interfaces 34. Each of the plurality of testcomputers 32 and the plurality of control interfaces 34 may besubstantially rectangular members as shown in FIG. 5.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, each individual test cabinet30 houses the test computers 32 and control interfaces 34 thatcorrespond to two device cabinets 16. FIG. 5, for example, depicts atest computer 32 labeled “1” that corresponds to cabinet 16 labeled “1”in FIG. 1, and also depicts a control interface 34 labeled “1” thatcorresponds to cabinet 16 labeled “1” in FIG. 1. One with ordinary skillin the art would understand that the test cabinet 30 embodiment in FIG.5 is merely exemplary, each test cabinet 30 could house the testcomputers 32 and control interfaces 34 for a range of test cabinet 16quantities. The test computers 32 may be disposed together on top of thecontrol interfaces 34, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, with thenumerical progression of corresponding cabinets 16 starting from the topof the test cabinet 30.

Each test computer 32 as shown in FIG. 5 includes a power supply port321, a plurality of video outputs 322, a plurality of second test serialports 324, a plurality of first test USB ports 326, a plurality ofsecond test USB ports 328, and a plurality of test Ethernet ports 329permitting electrical connection to the test computer 32. Both theplurality of video outputs 322 and the plurality of second test serialports 324 are shown as RS-232 ports in the exemplary embodiment of FIG.5, but one with ordinary skill in the art would understand that thefirst and second test serial ports 322, 324 may be other portspermitting electrical connection to a computer known to those withordinary skill in the art. Both the plurality of first test USB ports326 and the plurality of second test USB ports 328 may be a range ofknown USB connection versions, including USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, andother versions of USB connections known to those with ordinary skill inthe art. The plurality of test Ethernet ports 329 may be any port knownto those with ordinary skill in the art that permits connection to anEthernet cable.

Each control interface 34 has a processor and includes an HDMI converter342, a control serial connector 344, an audio and audio video connector346, a composite converter 348, and an HDMI switch 349.

The HDMI converter 342, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 10, has afront side 342A also shown in the orientation of FIG. 5, and a back side342B. The front side 341A may have three electrical connection ports342A-1, 324A-2, and 342A-3. Ports 342A-1 and 342A-2 may be HDMI ports,as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, and port 342A-3 may bea power supply port. One with ordinary skill in the art would understandthat the electrical connection port 342A-1, 324A-2, and 342A-3 may be arange of electrical connection ports known to those with ordinary skillin the art. The back side 342B has a component port 342B-1.

The control serial connector 344 may be any known serial connector thatpermits electrical connection of the control interface 34 to otherelements.

The audio and audio video connector 346, as shown in greater detail inFIG. 9, has an input side 346A and an output side 346B. The input side346A has an audio input port 346-1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9,the audio input port 346-1 has two audio inputs corresponding to leftand right audio, but one with ordinary skill in the art would understandthat a range of possible audio input ports 346-1 could be used. Theoutput side 346B has a video output port 346B-1, and is adjacent to USBoutput port 346C-1. USB output port 346C-1 may be a range of known USBconnection versions, including USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and otherversions of USB connections known to those with ordinary skill in theart.

The composite converter 348, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 9 and10, has a front side 348A also shown in the orientation of FIG. 5, and aback side 348B. The front side 348A has CVBS connection port 348A-1,power supply port 348A-2, and a plurality of composite converterswitches 348A-3. The back side 348B has electrical connection ports348B-1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the back sideelectrical connection ports 348B-1 are three RGB ports known in the art.One with ordinary skill in the art would understand that the electricalconnection ports of the composite converter 348 may be a range ofelectrical connection ports known to those with ordinary skill in theart.

The HDMI switch 349 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 10. The HDMIswitch 349 has a control serial port 349-1, an HDMI input port 349-2, anHDMI output port 349-3, and a power supply port 349-4. The controlserial port 349-1 is shown as an RS-232 port in the exemplary embodimentof FIGS. 5 and 10, but one with ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that the control serial port 349-1 may also be any portpermitting electrical connection to a computer known to those withordinary skill in the art.

Each test computer 32 also has a processor 323 and a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium 325 storing a plurality of test mobiledevice applications 327, as shown in FIG. 14.

Each of the test mobile device applications 327 are mobile deviceapplications including a computer program designed to run on mobiledevices, such as smartphones and tablet computers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the test mobile deviceapplications 327 include a unit information mobile device application327-1, cellular test mobile device application 327-2, Wi-Fi test mobiledevice application 327-3, internal battery test mobile deviceapplication 327-4, magnetometer test mobile device application 327-5,Bluetooth test mobile device application 327-6, front camera test mobiledevice application 327-7, bottom camera test mobile device application327-8, HDMI test mobile device application 327-9, audio headset testmobile device application 327-10, speaker and microphone test mobiledevice application 327-11, memory test mobile device application 327-12,time test mobile device application 327-13, SD card test mobile deviceapplication 327-14, backlight test mobile device application 327-15,ambient light sensor test mobile device application 327-16, and flashtest mobile device application 327-17.

The control cabinet 40 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. Controlcabinet 40 has a control cabinet computer and monitor 42, a controlcabinet multiplexer 43, a Wi-Fi router 44, a Ethernet power adapterassembly 45, a first Ethernet switch assembly 46, and a second Ethernetswitch assembly 48. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the elements of thecontrol cabinet 40 may be housed in approximately rectangular spaceswithin the control cabinet 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the cabinetcomputer 42 may be positioned on top, followed in order by the controlcabinet multiplexer 43, the Wi-Fi router 44, the Ethernet power adapterassembly 45, the first Ethernet switch assembly 46, the remainder of theEthernet power adapter assembly 45, and the second Ethernet switchassembly 48 from top to bottom.

The control cabinet computer 42-1 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7.Control cabinet computer 42-1 has a processor and includes a powersupply port 422, a first control computer Ethernet port 424, graphicscard ports 426, a plurality of second control computer Ethernet ports428, and a third control computer Ethernet port 429. The graphics cardports 426 include a plurality of control computer HDMI ports 426-1 and aDVI port 426-2.

The control cabinet monitor 42-2, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 8,has a front side 42-2A, a back side 42-2B, and a side panel 42-2C. Thefront side 42-2A of the monitor has a screen 42-2A1, which may be aknown touch screen. One with ordinary skill in the art would understandthat the front side 42-2A could alternatively be other known forms ofscreens. The back side 42-2B includes a monitor HDMI port 42-2B1 and amonitor video port 42-2B2. The side panel 42-2C includes a monitor powersupply port 42-2C1 and a monitor DVI port 42-2C2.

The control cabinet multiplexer 43 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 8.Control cabinet multiplexer 43 has a plurality of multiplexer ports43-1.

The Wi-Fi router 44 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. The Wi-Firouter 44 includes a plurality of router Ethernet ports 442 and anexternal Ethernet port 444.

The Ethernet power adapter assembly 45 has a plurality of Ethernet poweradapters 452, each having a power adapter input port 452-1 and a poweradapter output port 452-2. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6,the Ethernet power adapter assembly 45 has two groups of five Ethernetpower adapters 45, one corresponding to each device cabinet 16. One withordinary skill in the art would understand that the number of Ethernetpower adapters 452 would vary based on the particular application.

The first Ethernet switch assembly 46 and the second Ethernet switchassembly 48 are shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. The first Ethernetswitch assembly 46 has a plurality of first Ethernet switches 462, eachhaving a plurality of first Ethernet ports 462-1. The second Ethernetswitch assembly 48 has a plurality of second Ethernet switches 482, eachhaving a plurality of second Ethernet ports 482-1. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 7, the first Ethernet switch assembly 46 has fourfive-port Ethernet switches 462, such as an FS105 Ethernet switch knownin the art. Also in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second Ethernetswitch assembly 48 has two sixteen-port Ethernet switches 482, such asan FS116 Ethernet switch known in the art. One with ordinary skill inthe art would understand that the first and second Ethernet switchassemblies 46, 48 may vary in number of switches and number of ports perswitch, depending on the application.

The plurality of monitors 50 shown in FIG. 1 may be any monitor known tothose with ordinary skill in the art capable of playing video. Thenumber of monitors 50 corresponds to the number of device cabinets 16.

The user computer 60, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 13, includes auser multiplexer 602 and a output display 604. The user multiplexer 602has a plurality of first input ports 602-1, a output display output port602-2, and a plurality of peripheral ports 602-3. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 13, the user multiplexer 602 has sixteen firstinput ports 602-1, each first input port 602-1 corresponding to onedevice cabinet 16. One with ordinary skill in the art would understandthat the number of first input ports 602-1 would vary based on theparticular application. The plurality of peripheral ports 602-3 areknown ports permitting the connection of peripheral devices, such as akeyboard or a mouse (not shown). The output display 604 may be any formof computer monitor known in the art.

The connections and assembly of the mobile device testing apparatus 10will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 depicts the general assembly of the frame 12, the plurality ofdevice cabinets 16, the plurality of test cabinets 30, the controlcabinet 40, the plurality of monitors 42-2, and the user computer 60.The plurality of test cabinets 30 are disposed on an apparatus base 70shown in FIG. 1 to form the lowest level of the mobile device testingapparatus 10 structure. The plurality of test cabinets 30 are disposedin a line on the apparatus base 70 and attached to one another. Theattachments described herein may include screws, clamps, or any othersecure mechanical connection as would be understood by one with ordinaryskill in the art.

The frame 12 containing the plurality of device cabinets 16 and thecontrol cabinet 40 are positioned on top of and attached to theplurality of test cabinets 30. This overall assembly of the plurality oftest cabinets 30, the apparatus base 70, the frame 12, and the controlcabinet 40 forms a substantially rectangular structure of the mobiledevice testing apparatus 10. The user computer 60 may be attached to aside of mobile device testing apparatus 10 via a first bracket 80. Thefirst bracket 80 securably supports the user computer 60 at a heightwith respect to the apparatus base 70, and may permit a user to move theuser computer 60 in relation to the mobile device testing apparatus 10.The plurality of monitors 42-2 may be attached to the top of the mobiledevice testing apparatus 10 via a second bracket 90.

The electrical connections of the mobile device testing apparatus 10will now be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 7-13.

FIG. 7 shows the Ethernet connections between the control cabinetcomputer 42-1, the control cabinet monitor 42-2, the Wi-Fi router 44,the first Ethernet switch assembly 46, and the second Ethernet switchassembly 48. The first control computer Ethernet port 424 is connectedto a second Ethernet port 482-1 of a second Ethernet switch 482. A port482-1 of the other second Ethernet switch 482 is connected to one of theplurality of router Ethernet ports 442. Each of the plurality of secondcontrol computer Ethernet ports 428 is connected to one first Ethernetport 462-1 of a first Ethernet switch 462. The third control computerEthernet port 429 is connected to one of the plurality of routerEthernet ports 442.

FIG. 8 shows the electrical connections between the control cabinetcomputer and monitor 42, the control cabinet multiplexer 43, and themonitor 42-2. Control computer HDMI port 426-1 is connected to monitorHDMI port 42-2B1. Control computer DVI port 426-2 is connected tomonitor DVI port 42-2C2. Monitor video port 42-2B2 is connected to acontrol cabinet multiplexer port 43-1.

FIG. 9 shows audio and USB electrical connections between a testcomputer 32, a device cabinet 16, the audio and audio video connector346, and the composite converter 348. One of the plurality of first testUSB ports 326 is connected to the USB output port 346C-1 of the audioand audio video connector 346. One of the plurality of second test USBports 328 is connected to the a back side USB port 16B-2, and the backside audio port 16B-3 is connected to the audio input port 346A-1 of theaudio and audio video connector 346. The video output port 346B-1 isconnected to the CVBS connection port 348A-1 of the composite converter348.

FIG. 10 shows the HDMI electrical connections between a device cabinet16, the HDMI switch 349, the HDMI converter 342, the composite converter348, a test computer 32, and the control cabinet multiplexer 43. Theback side HDMI port 16B-4 is connected to the HDMI input port 349-2 onthe HDMI switch 349. The HDMI output port 349-3 on the HDMI switch 349is connected to the first HDMI port 342A-1 on HDMI converter 342. Thecomponent port 342B-1 on the HDMI converter 342 is connected to the backside electrical connection ports 348B-1 of the composite converter 348.The CVBS connection port 348A-1 of the composite converter 3487, inturn, is connected to both the audio and audio video connector 346 and amultiplexer port 43-1. Lastly, the test computer 32, at one of thesecond test serial ports 324, is connected to the control serial port349-1 of the HDMI switch 349.

FIG. 11 shows the electrical connections between a test computer 32, adevice cabinet 16, and a power supply 100. The power supply 100 mayinclude a power strip and a power box. One of the second USB test ports328 and one of the video outputs 322 is connected to the power supply100. The power supply 100 is connected to the back side power connector16B-5, which connects to the light bars 280.

FIG. 12 shows the electrical connections between a test computer 32 andthe second Ethernet switch assembly 48. One of the plurality of testEthernet ports 329 is connected to one of the plurality of secondEthernet ports 482-1 of second Ethernet switch 482, while another of theplurality of test Ethernet ports 329 is connected to one of theplurality of second Ethernet ports 482-1 of another second Ethernetswitch 482. One of the second Ethernet switches 482 is further connectedto the Wi-Fi router 44, while the other of the second Ethernet switches482 is connected to the control cabinet computer and monitor 42.

FIG. 13 shows the electrical connections between a test computer 32 andthe user computer 60. One of the pluralities of video outputs 322 isconnected to one of the plurality of first input ports 602-1 of the usermultiplexer 602. The output display 604 is connected to the outputdisplay output port 602-2.

The use of the mobile device testing apparatus 10 to simultaneously testa plurality of mobile devices 20 will now be described.

A tester first slides the drawer 18 out from the device cabinet 16 inthe direction 24, exposing the retention device 22. The tester thenplaces a mobile device 20 within the retention device frame 222, asshown in FIG. 2. The mobile device 20 is held within the retentiondevice frame 222 by the adjustable guide 224, plurality of adjustableend walls 226, retention device wall 228 and arm 229. To accommodate awide range of mobile devices 20, the adjustable guide 224 is moveablealong the guide receiving recesses 222-1 in the direction 224-1 to alterthe distance between the adjustable guide 224 and the retention devicewall 228, and the adjustable end walls 226 are moveable along the endwall receiving recesses 222-2 in the directions 226-1. The arm 229 isrotatable such that the free end 229 b abuts an end of the mobile device20 opposite the plurality of adjustable end walls 226, as shown in FIG.2.

The positioning of the adjustable guide 224, adjustable end walls 226,and arm 229 permit a variety of mobile devices to be used within themobile device testing apparatus 10, including tablet computers, smartphones, e-readers, and other electronic mobile devices known to thosewith ordinary skill in the art. The mobile device 20 is then connectedto the retention device connection port 240, which permits the exchangeof data between the mobile device 20 and the other elements of themobile device testing apparatus 10. The above steps may be used to placeand connect a mobile device 20 in each device cabinet 16.

A tester operates the mobile device testing apparatus 10 using the usercomputer 60. Using peripheral devices, the tester manipulates the usercomputer 60 to select test mobile device applications 327 to run on amobile device 20 within a device cabinet 16, transmitting data andcommands to an individual test computer 32. As shown in FIG. 13, theuser computer 60 communicates with a particular test computer 32 via theuser multiplexer 602; each of the first input ports 602-1 corresponds toone test computer 32, which each correspond to one device cabinet 16.The test computer 32 executes the test mobile device applications 327 ona mobile device 20 by following the steps shown in FIG. 15.

A test mobile device application 327 executed on one mobile device 20 inone device cabinet 16 will be described, but one with skill in the artwould understand that the steps apply to the plurality of devicecabinets 16 shown in FIG. 1; a user may simultaneously test a pluralityof mobile devices 20 contained within the device cabinets 16 by usingthe single user computer 60 connected to the plurality of test computers32. The execution of test mobile device applications 327 as disclosedherein may be used with a range of known mobile device operating systemsincluding android, apple iOS, blackberry, and other operating systemsknown to those with ordinary skill in the art.

In step 150-1, the test computer 32 pertaining to a particular devicecabinet 16 and mobile device 20 loads the test mobile device application327 onto the mobile device 20. The test computer 32 loads the testmobile device application 327 by transmitting the test mobile deviceapplication 327 from the non-transitory computer readable storage medium325, through one of the plurality of second test USB ports 328, and tothe back side USB port 16B-2, as shown in FIG. 9. The mobile device 20in the device cabinet 16 installs the test mobile device application327.

In step 150-2, the mobile device 20 executes the test mobile deviceapplication 327. The variety of test mobile device applications 327 usedwithin the mobile device testing apparatus 10 will be described ingreater detail below. For some test mobile device applications 327, thelights bars 280 are used to illuminate the interior of the devicecabinet 16. For these tests, the test computer 32 controls theillumination of the light bars 280 though one of the video outputs 322and one of the plurality of second test USB ports 328 connecting via thepower supply 100. The monitors 50 are each connected to one imagerecording device 260 inside a device cabinet 16; the monitors 50 showthe current testing inside the device cabinet 16 when the light bars 280are illuminated.

In step 150-3, the test computer 32 reads the results from the devicecabinet 16 containing the mobile device 20. The test computer 32 obtainsdata concerning the tests from one of the plurality of second test USBports 328 connected to the back side USB port 16B-2, as shown in FIG. 9.The test computer 32 obtains audio concerning the tests from back sideaudio port 16B-3 connecting through the audio and audio video connector346 and into one of the plurality of first test USB ports 326, as shownin FIG. 9. The test computer 32 obtains video concerning the tests fromback side HDMI port 16B-4 connected through the HDMI switch 349 into oneof the second test serial ports 324, as shown in FIG. 10.

In step 150-4, the test computer 32 sends the test data and results tothe control cabinet computer and monitor 42. As shown in FIG. 10, HDMIvideo is sent to the control cabinet computer and monitor 42 through theHDMI switch 349, then passing through the HDMI converter 342 whichconverts the HDMI into component RGB, through the composite converter348, and through a CVBS connection to one of the multiplexer ports 43-1corresponding with the number of the test computer 32. The test computer32 also sends data to the control cabinet computer and monitor 42 via anEthernet connection shown in FIG. 12. Data is passed from the pluralityof test Ethernet ports 329 to a second Ethernet ports 482-1 on a secondEthernet switch 482 corresponding to the number of the test computer 32.The second Ethernet switches 482 then send the data to the controlcabinet computer and monitor 42 as shown in FIG. 7 and described in theconnections above.

In step 150-5, the control cabinet computer 42-1 sends data to thecontrol cabinet monitor 42-2 as shown in the connections in FIG. 8.

In step 150-6, the test computer 32 sends the test results to the usercomputer 60 via the connection from one of the Ethernet ports 329. Thetest computer displays results corresponding to the number of the devicecabinet 16 and test computer 32, and thereby displays results particularto a tested mobile device 20 and test mobile device application 327. Ifa test is run simultaneously on a plurality of mobile devices 20, thecorresponding plurality of test computers 32 send the results to theuser computer 60.

In step 150-7, the test computer 32 deletes the test mobile deviceapplication 327 from the mobile device 20 through the connection betweenone of the plurality of second test USB ports 328 and the back side USBport 16B-2 shown in FIG. 9.

The plurality of test mobile device applications 327 that may beexecuted via each test computer 32 according to the steps above will nowbe described.

A unit information mobile device application 327-1 queries the model id,product id, International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI),operating system version, manufacturer information and serial numberfrom the mobile device 20. The mobile device 20 passes the unitinformation mobile device application 327-1 test if the unit informationis obtained.

A cellular test mobile device application 327-2 tests all cellularfunctionality of the mobile device 20. The cellular test mobile deviceapplication 327-2 turns on the cellular connection and disables the wifiin order to force the mobile device 20 to use its cellular connection.When the cellular connection is formed, the cellular test mobile deviceapplication 327-2 validates the network type, roaming status, operatorname and signal strength. The cellular test mobile device application327-2 then opens an internet browser and transmits a request to anexternal website to validate data transfer across the establishednetwork connection. The mobile device 20 passes the cellular test mobiledevice application 327-2 test if, in one attempt, the network name andoperator name return non-null values, the roaming status is not active,the signal strength is within a range, and the browser launch returns anacknowledgment.

A Wi-fi test mobile device application 327-3 tests the wi-fi connectionof the mobile device 20. The wi-fi test mobile device application 327-3turns on a wi-fi connection and turns off a cellular connection, thenscans for available networks, seeking to connect to the network of wi-firouter 44. Once the network connection is established, wi-fi test mobiledevice application 327-3 verifies that the mobile device 20 has an IPaddress and validates the wifi MAC address and RSSI value. The wi-fitest mobile device application 327-3 then opens an internet browser andtransmits a request to an external website to validate data transferacross the established network connection. The mobile device 20 passesthe wi-fi test mobile device application 327-3 test if the IP address iswithin the range of 192.168.44.0 through 192.168.44.255, the mobiledevice 20 is able to connect to a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network (for unitsthat supports 5 Ghz), the security status, network name and MAC addressare read, the RSSI value is in the range of −100 to 200, the networkname is properly identified, and the mobile device 20 is able to launcha browser and go to a web page.

An internal battery test mobile device application 327-4 tests atemperature, charge level, charging source, charging status, batterytechnology and voltage of a mobile device 20 battery. The mobile device20 passes the internal battery test mobile device application 327-4 ifthe temperature of the unit is less than 50 degrees, the battery chargelevel is greater than 45%, the mobile device application is able to readcharging status, technology and charging source, and the voltage isbetween 0 and 5 volts.

A magnetometer test mobile device application 327-5 tests thefunctionality of a magnetometer sensor of the mobile device 20. Themagnetometer test mobile device application 327-5 reads magnetometersensor information such as sensor name, vendor name, and maximum range,and validates the sensor coordinates in a fixed environment. The mobiledevice 20 passes the magnetometer test mobile device application 327-5if the magnetometer test mobile device application 327-5 is able to readmagnetometer sensor data, the maximum range of the magnetometer sensoris within a range, and the position on the x, y, and z-axes is within arange.

A Bluetooth test mobile device application 327-6 tests Bluetoothfunctionality of the mobile device 20. The Bluetooth test mobile deviceapplication 327-6 reads the device name and MAC address. The Bluetoothtest mobile device application 327-6 will turn on the Bluetooth and scanfor all available devices, sending the available device list back to thetest computer 32, which has a Bluetooth dongle. The Bluetooth testmobile device application 327-6 will check the MAC address of the mobiledevice 20 against a scan list, and if the MAC address is on the list,then the mobile device 20 passes the Bluetooth test mobile deviceapplication 327-6. The Bluetooth test mobile device application 327-6will then turn off the Bluetooth on the mobile device 20.

A front camera test mobile device application 327-7 tests thefunctionality of a front camera of the mobile device 20. The frontcamera test mobile device application 327-7 turns on a front camera ofthe mobile device 20 and the light bars 280, the front camera then takesthree images and sends these images to the test computer 32. The imagesare converted to text using the test computer 32, and if the images allhave the keyword “CTDI,” the front camera passes the front camera testmobile device application 327-7.

A bottom camera test mobile device application 327-8 tests thefunctionality of a bottom camera of the mobile device 20. The bottomcamera test mobile device application 327-8 turns on the bottom cameraand the light bars 280, the bottom camera then takes three images, andsends these images to the test computer 32. The images are converted totext using the test computer 32, and if the images all have the keyword“CTDI,” the bottom camera passes the bottom camera test mobile deviceapplication 327-8.

A HDMI test mobile device application 327-9 tests the functionality ofthe HDMI connection to the mobile device 20. The HDMI test mobile deviceapplication 327-9 turns on the mobile device screen with 5 keywordslocated in the corners and center of the mobile device 20. The resultantHDMI data is routed to the audio and audio video connector 346 and thetest computer 32, where it is converted to text and analyzed for thekeywords. The HDMI connection passes the HDMI test mobile deviceapplication 327-9 if the designated keywords appear in the appropriatelocations on the mobile device 20 screen.

An audio headset test mobile device application 327-10 tests thefunctionality of the audio headset of the mobile device 20. The audioheadset test mobile device application 327-10 plays an audio with afrequency of 2 khz at three different volume levels—80%, 50% and 30%.The resultant audio data is routed to the audio and audio videoconnector 346 as shown in FIG. 9, and if the audio frequency and volumelevels are validated, the audio headset passes the audio headset testmobile device application 327-10.

A speaker and microphone test mobile device application 327-11 tests aspeaker and microphone of the mobile device 20. The speaker andmicrophone test mobile device application 327-11 plays audio withfrequency of 1.2 khz at 40% volume. The microphone will listen to theaudio output while the speaker is playing the audio, and once the audiois completed, the saved microphone data is played back through the audioheadset and this data is routed to the audio and audio video connector346. The test computer 32 determines if the audio frequency and volumelevels are validated, and if so, the speaker and microphone pass thespeaker and microphone test mobile device application 327-11.

A memory test mobile device application 327-12 tests a memory of themobile device 20 by returning the available memory and total storagespace for the mobile device 20. If the memory and storage space of themobile device 20 is within an appropriate range, the memory passes thememory test mobile device application 327-12.

A time test mobile device application 327-13 tests an internal clock ofthe mobile device 20 by querying the current time. If the current timeof the mobile device 20 is within two minutes of the time on the testcomputer 32, the internal clock of the mobile device 20 passes the timetest mobile device application 327-13.

A SD card test mobile device application 327-14 tests an SD card of themobile device 20 by writing a file onto the SD card and reading the fileback. If the file read back is validated, the SD card passes the SD cardtest mobile device application 327-14.

A backlight test mobile device application 327-15 tests a backlight ofthe mobile device 20. The backlight test mobile device application327-15 turns off the backlight and the image recording device 260 takesan image of the screen of the mobile device 20, sending it to the testcomputer 32. The backlight test mobile device application 327-15 canalso turn on the backlight, and the image recording device 260 takesanother image of the screen of the mobile device 20, sending it to thetest computer 32. The two images are compared at the test computer 32 todetermine whether the backlight is operating properly, and if so, thebacklight passes the backlight test mobile device application 327-15.

An ambient light sensor test mobile device application 327-16 tests anambient light sensor of the mobile device 20. The ambient light sensortest mobile device application 327-16 turns on the light bars 280, andcompares an ambient light sensor brightness value to a range. If thevalue is within an appropriate range, the ambient light sensor passesthe ambient light sensor test mobile device application 327-16.

A flash test mobile device application 327-17 tests a flash of themobile device 20. The flash test mobile device application 327-17 usesthe image recording device 260 to take images with the flash turned onand with the flash turned off. The two images are compared at the testcomputer 32 to determine whether the flash is operating properly, and ifso, the flash passes the flash test mobile device application 327-17.

A screen and display test mobile device application 327-17 tests fordefective pixels of the display and scratches on the screen of themobile device 20.

The screen and display test mobile device application 327-17 includes adefective pixel mobile device application to analyze the pixels and thedisplay. The defective pixel mobile device application is a mobiledevice app in the shown embodiment and includes an algorithm that useshigh quality images taken by one or more cameras to identify defectivepixels. It is important that each of the pixels of the mobile device 1needs to be clearly visible for analysis and the changes in the pixelRGB values need to be clearly identified. In particular, in theexemplary embodiment, the defective pixel mobile device application setsthe whole display black with a backlight turned ON to a maximum setting.The black display and backlight set to ON combine to illuminate thedefective pixel as a white pixel, making any defective pixel readilyidentifiable in contrast to the surrounding black pixels. The defectivepixel mobile device application, in an exemplary embodiment, is a customAndroid application, but may be an application that functions on othermobile device operating systems known to those with ordinary skill inthe art.

The mobile device 1 is manually positioned on a retention device 22 withthe display facing upward and way from the retention device 22. Theretention device 22 is then positioned in the mobile device testingapparatus 10, for instance, using a sliding shelf. The mobile devicetesting apparatus 10 is then closed and sealed from exterior light. Thepair of cameras are positioned facing the display from a top of themobile device testing apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 4.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method and system fordetecting defective pixels and screen imperfections of a mobile device 1uses a two camera system for large screens, such as tablet screens, sothat the pixels of the mobile device 1 are clearly visible for analysis.However, for mobile devices having smaller screens, such as mobilephones, the method and system for detecting defective pixels and screenimperfections of a mobile device 1 may use a one camera system.

In the shown embodiment, the method and system can detect changes in thepixel RGB values using a two camera system, as shown in FIG. 4. Thefirst camera is positioned to capture and image of a top portion of thedisplay, while the second camera is positioned to capture an image of abottom portion of the display. The first camera is positioned side byside with the second camera. The use of a two camera system makesdefective pixels clearly visible when captured images are analyzed usingthe system and method described below.

Images captured by both the first camera and the second camera areperformed in a dark environment to avoid external light reflections,which could cause false defects when using the method and system fordetecting defective pixels and screen imperfections according to theinvention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the resolution of the cameras is 5 MP, asthe defective pixels need to appear significantly different incomparison to other pixels at this resolution. A 15 MP or higherresolution camera cannot be used because, as the resolution of thecamera gets higher, the change of RGB values decreases as these changesare spread across more pixels. As the RGB values variance decreases, itbecomes increasingly difficult to identify defects.

Table 1 below shows the comparison of the resolution of the cameraversus the resolution of the mobile device 1 (5:1) in an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. Table 1 shows that the first cameracaptures about 5 million pixels in which the display crop area is 2million pixels and the pixels that fall into the camera view is 0.33million pixels. The second camera captures another 5 million pixels inwhich the display crop area is 1.67 million pixels and the pixels thatfall into the camera view is 0.31 million pixels. This correlates to atotal of approximately 3.5 million pixels of the captured imagecorresponds to 0.64 million pixels on the actual display of the mobiledevice 1. This means 1 pixel on the display of the mobile device 1corresponds to approximately 5 pixels on the actual captured image takenby the cameras.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Camera Pixel ratio comparison to Tablet HD CameraTablet 1^(st) Camera Resolution 2590 × 1942 (5 million Pixels) 2^(nd)Camera Resolution 2590 × 1942 (5 million Pixels) Display Area resolutionfor 1200 × 1720 (2 million Pixels) 560 × 600 (.33 million Pixels) TopSection of Display (Camera) Display Area resolution for 1200 × 1395(1.67 million Pixels) 520 × 600 (.31 million Pixels) Bottom Section ofDisplay (Camera) Total Pixel ratio 3.5 million Pixels (5:1) .64 millionPx

After the mobile device 1 is positioned in the mobile device testingapparatus 10, the defective pixel mobile device application commands themobile device 1 to make the display black with backlight turned ON to amaximum setting. The first camera captures a first image of the topsection of the display and the second camera captures a second image ofthe bottom section of the display. In general, the first image and thesecond image are then analyzed for any sudden drastic changes in theintensity of light across the black display. Any changes are recordedand are compared against a set of parameters that will determine if theRGB value falls under damaged pixel criterion or a good pixel criterion,as will be described in more detail below.

In general, each captured image is analyzed to find any defective pixelsand then analyzed to determine if the defective pixel is large enough tobe considered as a failure. If it falls into fail criteria, a circle isapplied around the defective pixel to visually show the location of thedefective pixel in the captured image. The same analysis is conductedfor captured images of both the top and bottom sections of the displayusing the first camera and the second camera. An overlap area is alsoconsidered.

A defective pixel detection analysis of the method and system fordetecting defective pixels and screen imperfections will be described inmore detail.

Firstly, the captured images of the top and bottom sections of thedisplay are analyzed and cropped to the display size by a computer whichthen runs several steps to perform a defective pixel

Each captured image from the first camera and the second camera is aphotographic representation of rows and columns of pixels of thedisplay, for instance an LED display, and each pixel is made of Red,Green and Blue values (RGB values) in the shown embodiment. However, oneskilled in the art should appreciate that the method could be easilyapplied to other color models, including CMYK.

In the shown embodiment, and according to the invention, the RGB valuesvary from 0-255. For example, a pure white pixel color has values ofR=255, G=255 and B=255, and a pure black pixel color has values of R=0,G=0 and B=0.

The RGB value of the questionable pixels will have values of R&B greaterthan 30 or R&G greater than 30 or B&G greater than 30; the questionablepixels that are illuminated are made up of mixed colors, in which atleast two of the R, G and B have values greater than 30. Thenon-questionable pixel categories are eliminated at the initial stage ofanalysis. The questionable pixels undergo a more detailed criteria checkstep to determine if they exhibit a drastic change from the 8surrounding pixels.

The criteria check step is performed by comparing the questionablepixels against 8 surrounding pixels. In the event more than 4 of thesurrounding pixels show a significant variance from the questionablepixel, then the questionable pixel is categorized as a drastic changepixel. All the questionable pixels are analyzed in this method andgrouped within a 15×15 pixel range. If there are more than 5 drasticchange pixels in one group, then it shows that there is a defectivepixel in the mobile device 1 which is then considered a failure.

A pixel is considered questionable if it shows a drastic change whencompared to adjacent pixels. A drastic change is defined as a drasticchange in RGB values for the questionable pixel when compared to 8surrounding pixels. If any of the RGB value changes should be above 25,and if the other 2 values are greater than 3, then it is considered aquestionable pixel.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,the difference of R, G, and B values are calculated by comparing all the8 surrounding pixels against a center pixel. After finding thedifferences, each set of RGB values is then checked to see if thedifference of one of them changed by a value of at least 25, and if oneof the 2 values should be greater than 3. This indicates that there is adrastic change. In the below example, FIG. 16, 6 out of 8 surroundingpixels marked in red falls into that criterion. Since it is higher thanthe set limit of 4, the center pixel is considered a questionable pixel.This analysis is conducted for all the pixels for which at least two ofthe R, G and B have values greater than 30.

A pixel is considered good if it does not show a drastic change. Adrastic change is defined as a significant variance in RGB valuescompared to 8 surrounding pixels. In order to be a good pixel, thevariance in any RGB value must be below 25 as compared to the 8surrounding pixels under analysis. In the event one value is greaterthan 25, then each of the remaining 2 values must have a variance below3. FIGS. 18 and 19 show the analysis of a good pixel.

Next, questionable pixels are grouped within a 15×15 pixel range. Thisis grouped to find a defect in a damaged area. Up to four questionablepixels within a 15×15 pixel range in the captured picture is acceptable,since this equates to less than one defective pixel on the display. Fiveor more questionable pixels within a 15×15 pixel range in the camerapicture will be categorized as a defective pixel. A few examples of apixel damage group are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Example of 3 Defective Pixel Groups-More than 4 questionablepixels in a 10 × 10 range Group #1: 8 Questionable Pixels X: 385 Y: 1036R: 45 G: 21 B: 34 X: 384 Y: 1037 R: 74 G: 52 B: 38 X: 385 Y: 1037 R: 44G: 33 B: 67 X: 386 Y: 1037 R: 33 G: 22 B: 56 X: 384 Y: 1038 R: 65 G: 64B: 44 X: 385 Y: 1038 R: 23 G: 50 B: 67 X: 384 Y: 1039 R: 64 G: 40 B: 36X: 385 Y: 1039 R: 24 G: 41 B: 49 Group #2: 16 Questionable Pixels X: 265Y: 359 R: 56 G: 35 B: 42 X: 266 Y: 359 R: 59 G: 38 B: 45 X: 267 Y: 359R: 26 G: 46 B: 53 X: 265 Y: 360 R: 99 G: 46 B: 42 X: 266 Y: 360 R: 109G: 56 B: 52 X: 267 Y: 360 R: 116 G: 70 B: 55 X: 268 Y: 360 R: 98 G: 52B: 37 X: 265 Y: 361 R: 100 G: 69 B: 48 X: 266 Y: 361 R: 113 G: 82 B: 61X: 267 Y: 361 R: 114 G: 113 B: 85 X: 268 Y: 361 R: 94 G: 93 B: 65 X: 265Y: 362 R: 37 G: 57 B: 46 X: 266 Y: 362 R: 71 G: 91 B: 80 X: 267 Y: 362R: 113 G: 135 B: 86 X: 268 Y: 362 R: 102 G: 124 B: 75 X: 269 Y: 362 R:17 G: 59 B: 45 Group #3: 7 Questionable Pixels X: 372 Y: 1488 R: 41 G:53 B: 51 X: 373 Y: 1488 R: 55 G: 56 B: 40 X: 374 Y: 1488 R: 40 G: 41 B:25 X: 373 Y: 1489 R: 55 G: 107 B: 58 X: 374 Y: 1489 R: 40 G: 92 B: 43 X:373 Y: 1490 R: 28 G: 75 B: 57 X: 374 Y: 1490 R: 25 G: 72 B: 54

Table 2 shows that group #1 has 8 questionable pixels which correspondto approximately 2 defective pixels in one area on the tablet. Group #2has 16 questionable pixels that correspond to 3 defective pixels inanother area. Group #3 has 7 questionable pixels which correspond toapproximately 2 defective pixels in another area of the tablet.

The screen and display test mobile device application 327-17 furtherincludes a scratch detection mobile device application to analyzescratches to the display of the mobile device 1. The scratch detectionmobile device application is also a mobile device app and includes analgorithm that uses a high quality images taken by one or more camerasto identify defective pixels. In particular, in the exemplaryembodiment, the scratch detection mobile device application sets thewhole display white with backlight turned ON to a maximum setting. Thescratch detection mobile device application can be loaded with the pixeldetection mobile device application, as a single application, orseparately. The scratch detection mobile device application, in anexemplary embodiment, is a custom Android application, but may be anapplication that functions on other mobile device operating systemsknown to those with ordinary skill in the art.

If the scratch detection mobile device application is loaded separately,the mobile device 1 is again manually positioned on a retention device22 with the display facing upward and way from the retention device 22.The retention device 22 is then positioned in the mobile device testingapparatus 10. The mobile device testing apparatus 10 is then closed andsealed from exterior light. The pair of cameras are positioned from atop of the mobile device testing apparatus 10 and face the display, asshown in FIG. 4.

A captured image for analysis is taken with a white background loaded onthe display of the mobile device. White color enhances the visibility ofthe scratches and any defects on top of the screen are clearly visiblefor analysis.

In order to confirm the defective screen, a computer performs variousimage processing steps on captured images by the first camera and thesecond camera. These steps are described below.

Firstly, the pixels of the captured images are grouped. In an exemplaryembodiment, each captured image is divided into small group of 8×8 pixelgroupings (64 pixels). The standard deviation of RGB value for the wholegroup of 64 pixels is calculated and used in the next step.

Next, if the standard deviation of the RGB value for the whole group of64 pixels is above a deviation threshold, it is determined that thegroup of 64 pixels includes a defective pixel and is represented by asingle pixel with white color. If the standard deviation of the wholegroup of 64 pixels is below the deviation threshold, then the wholegroup of 64 pixels is considered a good pixel and is represented by asingle pixel of black color. In an exemplary embodiment, the thresholdis calculated by:

[RGB value−RGB value for the whole group (i.e. 64 pixels)]<StandardDeviation s=8  Equation 1:

The analysis is done for all the 8×8 pixel groupings (64 pixels) of thecaptured image, and then the captured image with these 8×8 pixelgroupings (64 pixels) is represented by an grouped image ( 1/64^(th) insize to the captured image) with each pixel of the grouped imagerepresenting a 8×8 pixel grouping (64 pixels) of the captured image.

The grouped image is then converted to gray scale for further analysis.

Next, the grayscale converted image is applied with a grayscale spec mapto make the grayscale converted image more clear for analysis.

The grayscale converted image, with an applied grayscale spec mapapplied, is then dilated to join the nearby dots together. When thenearby dots are joined together, any scratches to the screen will bevisible. The grayscale converted image is then dilated again to make thedistant dots join together. The grayscale converted image is thendilated once again in the process of image analysis.

Next, the grayscale converted image, which has been dilated three timesand a grayscale spec map applied, is inverted. As a result, the whitepixels are converted to black and the black pixels are converted towhite so that a filter analysis can be performed.

Next, the inverted image is then filtered to eliminate small artifactsthat have zero consequence as part of the analysis. The filtering sizecan be adjusted to find scratches with various lengths or defects on thescreen of the mobile device 1.

A final image is prepared from the filtered image. This is performed byinverting the filtered image. The final image is then analyzed forscratch detection of the screen of the mobile device 1.

Finally, the final image is analyzed by the computer and checked for RGBvalues to find if there are any white pixels in the final image. If awhite pixel is found, the scratch detection analysis identifies ascratch on the screen of the mobile device 1.

Advantageously, the mobile device testing apparatus 10 of the claimedinvention permits a plurality of mobile devices 20 to be simultaneouslytested using a range of test mobile device applications 327. Testingefficiency is thus increased, saving time and decreasing tester costs.

The foregoing illustrates some of the possibilities for practicing theinvention. Many other embodiments are possible within the scope andspirit of the invention. Therefore, more or less of the aforementionedcomponents can be used to conform to that particular purpose. It is,therefore, intended that the foregoing description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting, and that the scope of the inventionis given by the appended claims together with their full range ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for simultaneously testing aplurality of mobile devices, comprising: a frame housing a plurality ofdevice cabinets and a plurality of test cabinets; a plurality ofretention devices disposed in the plurality of device cabinets; aplurality of test computers disposed in the plurality of test cabinets,wherein each test computer comprises a processor and a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing a plurality of mobile devicetest applications; a plurality of mobile devices, each disposed on oneof the plurality of retention devices and electrically connected to oneof the plurality of test computers and receiving one of the plurality ofmobile device test applications; and a control computer electricallyconnected to the plurality of test computers and receiving test resultsof the plurality of mobile devices from one of the plurality of mobiledevice test applications.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of retention devices is a universal tray.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the universal tray is adjustable in at least a firstdimension.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of testcomputers corresponds to the plurality of device cabinets.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein a number of test cabinets is differentthan a number of device cabinets.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach one of the plurality of retention devices comprises a connectionassembly for electrically connecting to a mobile device.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein each device cabinet comprises an imagerecording device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each devicecabinet further comprises an illuminating element.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the illuminating element is selected from the groupconsisting of: a light emitting diode, an incandescent light, afluorescent light, and combinations thereof.
 10. The apparatus of claim8 wherein the illuminating element is electrically connected to one ofthe plurality of test computers.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a user computer electrically connected to the plurality oftest computers and receiving test results of the plurality of mobiledevices from one of the plurality of test mobile device applications.12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each device cabinet furthercomprises a microphone.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachdevice cabinet further comprises a speaker.
 14. The apparatus of claim1, wherein each device cabinet further comprises a camera test pattern.15. A method for simultaneously testing a plurality of mobile devices,comprising: providing a frame, a plurality of device cabinets, aplurality of retention devices, a plurality of test cabinets, aplurality of test computers, and a control computer, wherein: the framehouses the plurality of device cabinets and the plurality of testcabinets, each of the plurality of device cabinets comprises one of theplurality of retention devices, each of the plurality of test cabinetscomprises one of the plurality of test computers, and each of theplurality of test computers comprises a processor and a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing a plurality of mobile devicetest applications; disposing a plurality of mobile devices such thateach is disposed on one of the plurality of retention devices;electrically connecting the plurality of disposed mobile devices suchthat each is electrically connected to one of the plurality of testcomputers, electrically connecting the plurality of test computers tothe control computer; loading a first one of the plurality of mobiledevice test applications from a first test computer of the plurality oftest computers to a first mobile device of the plurality of disposedmobile devices; loading a second one of the plurality of mobile devicetest applications from a second test computer of the plurality of testcomputers to a second mobile device of the plurality of disposed mobiledevices; and receiving, at the control computer, test results for thefirst one and the second one of the plurality of mobile device testapplications from the first one and the second one of the plurality ofdisposed mobile devices.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein a number oftest cabinets is different than a number of device cabinets.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the frame further comprises a user computerelectrically connected to each of the plurality of test computers. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the test results are received at theuser computer.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the pluralityof device cabinets further comprises an image recording device.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of device cabinetsfurther comprises an illuminating element.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein the illuminating element is electrically connected to one of theplurality of test computers.
 22. The method of claim 15, wherein each ofthe plurality of device cabinets further comprises a microphone.
 23. Themethod of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of device cabinetsfurther comprises a speaker.
 24. The method of claim 15, wherein each ofthe plurality of device cabinets further comprises a camera testpattern.
 25. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality ofretention devices is a universal tray.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein the universal tray is adjustable in at least a first dimension.